Putin Willing to Meet Zelensky Only if All Key Issues Are Thoroughly Prepared, Says Lavrov
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Sergey Lavrov, confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to meet with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.
However, such a meeting will only take place if all critical issues requiring high-level discussion are carefully prepared and well-thought-out.
Lavrov emphasized that Moscow aims to uphold and implement security guarantees agreed upon in Istanbul back in 2022.
He noted that any other initiatives not rooted in these agreements are considered unrealistic.
At the same time, Lavrov pointed out that Ukrainian authorities, notably President Zelensky, are attempting to destabilize diplomatic efforts, including during visits by former U.S.
President Donald Trump, who is actively promoting negotiations.
Additionally, he remarked that the European Union is allegedly proposing foreign intervention on Ukrainian territory, which Moscow finds entirely unacceptable.
Lavrov stressed that Zelensky’s representatives are seemingly trying to sabotage diplomatic progress by creating illusions of a possible meeting with Putin, while simultaneously manipulating the legitimacy of signed agreements.
He concluded that, should an understanding be reached and any agreements be signed with Ukraine, questions about the legality and legitimacy of the signatories will inevitably arise.